mhschmieder wrote:Dual mono is often referred to as "mono blocking", and generally means two separate amplifier blocks are needed vs. just one unit. All of the equipment that I have seen in that category is so expensive that I haven't delved deeply into the topic, but my guess is that the main advantage is avoiding any crosstalk between the two channels, as well as allowing a scalable architecture for supporting multi-channel formats.
So, it sounds like the Project Phone Box has a high-end design feature.
I've given some thought to points you made previously:
1. Losing detail by coming into the A/D interface at low volumes before the RIAA curve is applied. This would certainly be a concern when optimal sound quality is required by a client, or by one with golden ears. I'm guessing that applying the eq curve and boosting volume after conversion will not have a high resolution compared to going through a phono preamp into the A/D.
Once the dust settles, I'll post an example of sound going into the A/D straight compared to passage through a phono preamp first.
But for the purposes of converting vinyl to listen to at home or in the car, airtimes suggestion fits my budget.
2. The sequence of eq and gain staging. You mentioned that the RIAA curve may come first, then the gain stage for the phono preamp. Again, I'll check this out to see what effect the order has on the sound.
3. Your suggestion to use acoustic piano, classiscal or jazz recordings as test material due to it's wide dynamic range.
At this point, I've ruled out the ART, and the Radial J33 for which I could not find any online discussion pro or con.
So my immediate options are to use airtimes method of applying the RIAA curve and gain as an intermediate solution
, or lug the DAT machine downstair to connect to the receiver
Then it's a matter choosing one of the following:
1. The Project Phono Box
2. The Graham Slee Amp 2
3. Turntable that has a built-in preamp.
This has been a very helpful thread.
Thanks to all.